INFOGRAPHIC: The Smartest Way to Build a Fire? Use Science

You’ve asked and science has answered: here’s the smart way to build a fire.

A few years ago, NPR ran a series called Summer Science, and featured a story on building a fire.

So then, on with the answer to the age old question: How do I build the perfect fire?

Some of that you may have already known, but some common mistakes are addressed.

Don’t pack tinder too tightly, or you’ll prevent air from circulating and oxygen from feeding the fire.

And of course, safety comes first. Clear an area and keep control of a fire as much as possible. Keep water near the fire at all times. And make sure you’ve completely doused a fire before leaving the site.